NLI Leadership Training: Sept 2025 (Virtual)

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Overview

The Native Leadership Institute (NLI) leadership training program consists of a 3-day immersive training program where you’ll gain the skills to run an effective campaign while leading with our shared Indigenous values. Once the training ends, you’ll join a supportive alumni network to help guide you on your journey.

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Some of the topics that we’ll cover include:

Messaging & Communications
Public Speaking
Media Training
Fundraising
Organizing & Mobilizing
Power Building
Campaign Timelines & Budgets
Campaign Strategy
Political Data & Technology
Digital Organizing
Finding Your ‘Why’
Understanding Sovereignty, Liberation, & Decolonization
Self-care, Personal Support, & Guidance

This training program is created by Native leaders for Native leaders to ensure our Indigenous values are centered, supported, and respected.

Schedule

Running for Office: Virtual Training

Fri., Sept. 26 from 1-6 pm PT | 4-9 pm ET
Sat. & Sun., Sept. 27-28 from 9 am – 2 pm PT | 12-5 pm ET

Interview & Selection Process

We want to make sure that our program is a good fit and that we are in alignment on our values as we work on leadership development together. Our interview and selection process is designed to provide an opportunity for us to get to know each other and to have a more in-depth conversation about the program and your experience, goals, and future plans.

Submit Your Application – The first step is to complete the application form.
Interview Invitations – After reviewing applications, we will invite selected applicants to a 45-minute Zoom interview.
Final Selection – Following interviews, we will review each candidate’s full application and make final decisions about program admissions.
Acceptance & Next Steps – If you are accepted, you’ll receive detailed information about the program, including participation logistics and any pre-work leading up to the session.

Please note:

We are unable to accept current elected officials or individuals who have already filed to run for office.
Participation and completion of the application process does not guarantee admission into the program. Applicants are selected based on eligibility, alignment with program values, and demonstrated readiness.

Questions?

Please refer to the FAQs below. If your question isn’t answered below, don’t hesitate to contact us at nli@advancenativepl.org.

FAQs

Who is this training for?

This training program is designed for Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian leaders who aspire to run for elected office in the United States, who have a demonstrated connection to their communities and a commitment to uplifting tribal sovereignty and building Native power. Priority will be given to those seeking office within the next 1 to 3 years.

How do I apply?

In order to be considered for this program, you’ll need to complete an application. After reviewing applications, we will invite selected applicants to a 45-minute Zoom interview. This conversation will help us learn more about you, understand what you hope to gain from the program, and answer any questions you may have about the Native Leadership Institute.

Is there a cost to participate?

No, there is no cost to attend our training. We are offering this program free of charge to our community. In return, we ask that you commit to being on-time, present, and participatory for the entire program.

What is the time commitment?

If you are accepted to the Native Leadership Institute, you will be required to fully participate in our 3-day, 15-hour intensive program to ensure participants have the requisite language and foundations. Before each session there will be required pre-work. Altogether, there will be just over 15 hours of required training time and 3 to 5 hours of preparation to get the most out of this program.

What if I can only attend for part of the time?

We ask that you only accept your offer to attend if you can join us for the full time. If something changes in your schedule after you’ve accepted and you can no longer commit to the full program, please let us know as soon as possible so we can offer your spot to someone on our waiting list.

Can I participate if I'm a current elected official?

The answer to this question depends on your elected office, however, given ethics laws restricting “gifts” it is unlikely that you’ll be able to participate in this program. We do, however, encourage you to reach out as we’d love to connect with you and tell you more about our Native Elected Leaders Network program. You can reach us at nli@advancenativepl.org.

Can I participate if I'm a current candidate running for office?

No, you cannot participate in this program if you’ve already declared candidacy given campaign finance laws. However, please reach out once your election is over, as we’d love to support you as either a newly elected official in our Native Elected Leaders Network or as a participant in future NLI programs and training classes! You can contact us at nli@advancenativepl.org.

What technology will I need to participate in the program?

You will need a laptop with a webcam and a high-speed Internet connection to fully participate in this program. You will also need to download Zoom in advance of the training. If you are accepted into the program and you do not have a laptop with an integrated or external webcam and/or reliable access to high-speed Internet, we will work with you to make sure you have what you need to be able to join us.

What if I'm not ready to apply?

That’s okay! We encourage you to fill out our NLI interest form to learn more about our programs and stay up to date on future trainings and other opportunities to get involved.